Common Modules (Assignments) for English 352, Technical Communication

Procedure / Manual

There are various ways to teach this module. You can have the students write a straightforward manual or you can design a creative assignment such as the "Found Object Procedure." These are the parameters of the assignment:

• Task: write a technical procedure, or steps, for a specific function, such as how to use a specific function in Excel, Photoshop, or AutoCAD, how to use a machine, how to modify an automobile, etc.
• Result: MS Word document, at least five pages long with headings, numbered steps, graphics and a table of contents.
• Audience: a moderately skilled user.

Proposal or other Major Document

Each instructor should design a major writing assignment that will display the skills described in the criteria we use for assessment. This can take many forms but should include multiple types of media (such as writing and illustration) and documented citations. The two forms of this assignment that we have been using are:

Proposal

• Task: write a proposal including the following sections (if necessary): cover letter, executive summary, table of contents, background, objectives, plan, personnel, budget, time line, conclusion, supporting materials.
• Result: MS Word document, at least five pages long, with formal and consistent formatting (no errors or typos).  Graphics and template layout are encouraged.
• Audience: decision-makers within the organization.

Technical Communication Analysis

• Task: compare and contrast examples of technical communication
• Result: MS Word document, at least five pages long, with formal and consistent formatting (no errors or typos).  Graphics and template layout are encouraged.
• Audience: fellow students and professor.

Oral Presentation

Oral interactions are integral to competent communication. Instructors should require at least one oral presentation per semester. Technology such as clickers, for immediate response, and Camtasia Relay, to record voice-overs with PowerPoint, can be helpful in this regard. Online courses should use Camtasia Relay or simple webcam presentations.

• Task: prepare an individual presentation that will be judged by other class members for clarity, interest, etc. on a presentation report.
• Result: you will receive written assessments from each classmate.
• Audience: class members.

Online Portfolio Website

Presenting the work via a website gives a good overview of all the students' skills. This is also the vehicle we use to access the work for assessment. This module is presently only required in the spring of each year.

• Task: create a website with links to the manual, proposal and brochure.  The documents can be in Word, PDF or HTML.
• Result: you will show your webpage to the class and submit it for the final assessment by handing in a page with your name and URL.
• Audience: technical communication professors and classmates.